Because the month of January nears a conclusion leaving us with about 2 and a half extra months of normal season hockey on the horizon, the NHL/NHLPA’s 4 Nations Face-Off match has additionally become visible. The True North franchise will swimsuit up for simply 5 extra video games earlier than the mid-season break begins on February eighth, permitting nearly all of the gamers to have somewhat relaxation earlier than the ultimate push.
The Winnipeg Jets discover themselves on a 3 recreation successful streak as they head out of province for a 3 recreation street journey, which kicks off on Tuesday with a match up towards the Montreal Canadiens. Nonetheless battling for the highest spot within the league, the Jets are deadlocked with the Washington Capitals for the #1 place whereas Les Canadiens are simply exterior of the wildcard image in a tie for nineteenth.
Winnipeg (34-14-3) has restricted the opposition to solely 2 targets of their final 3 contests regardless of being with out their prime defensive participant, captain Adam Lowry. The shutdown middle is not going to get again on the ice till after the break, however has opted to hitch the squad on the street to offer morale help. Apart from some form of sickness operating its’ course by means of the Jets’ gamers, the franchise is fortunate to have the remainder of the roster wholesome sufficient to play. Defensemen Colin Miller and Ville Heinola have been wholesome scratches for the previous 3 & 5 video games respectively, so will both get an opportunity to get again on the ice tonight? They do must see some motion quickly, however Haydn Fleury was wonderful in his final recreation and Logan Stanley hasn’t been enjoying as horrible as he usually does so coach Scott Arniel could also be hesitant to make modifications.
The Jets’ powerplay continues to burn crimson scorching, as their 33.3% success price has by no means been completed by any NHL group over a full NHL common season within the lengthy historical past of the league. There’s a lengthy strategy to go earlier than we attain that time, however Winnipeg already set a brand new customary with their superb begin to the season, so why not add one other entry to the report e book? NHL officers appear to be decided to restrict the probabilities they get, as our squad has seen the least quantity of PP’s since Christmas, however Montreal could check their willpower for the reason that Habs are probably the most penalized group within the NHL (169).
Montreal (24-20-5) appeared to discover a new gear lately, placing up a formidable 13-3-1 report over a 17 recreation stretch earlier than dropping their two most up-to-date contests. Coach Marty St. Louis has his group enjoying nicely proper now on the again of excellent goaltending by Samuel Montembeault and 23 yr previous Jakub Dobes, permitting the Canadiens to nip on the heels of Japanese wildcard holders Boston Bruins & Tampa Bay Lightning. The Habs have been robust when enjoying in Montreal this season (13-8-4), whereas additionally having the ninth greatest penalty kill within the league.
The pre-game skates are going to get underway shortly, however within the meantime we are able to depend on PuckPedia to offer predictions for tonight’s beginning lineups:
The Montreal Canadiens’ prime gamers this season have been Nick Suzuki (50 pts), Cole Caufield (46), and diminutive rookie defenseman Lane Hutson (39). I in all probability ought to embody former Jet Patrik Laine in that listing as though he has missed vital time, the Finnish sniper has nonetheless put up 18 pts in 21 matches.
The Winnipeg Jets’ main offensive contributors embody Kyle Connor (63 pts), Mark Scheifele (56), Gabriel Vilardi (47), Nikolaj Ehlers (44), Josh Morrissey (42), and Neal Pionk (32). On the opposite finish of issues, the important thing personnel embody the stellar, but anticipated nice play of Connor Hellebuyck and the considerably extra stunning play of defender Dylan Samberg. The massive Minnesotan defenseman has excelled in changing the departed Brendan Dillon on the 2nd pairing and has in some way managed to even make his enjoying accomplice Neal Pionk not appear like a nightmare in his personal finish. That’s not a simple process. For those who occur to need to get drunk throughout tonight’s recreation, then I recommend you’re taking a shot or pound a beer each time Sammy makes use of his persist with deny a Hab’s zone entry try or helps Winnipeg clear their very own finish….I feel you should have a great time, however your Wednesday may be a bit tough.
Time for the numbers in ESPN’s have a look at the goalies and our Match Up graphic exhibiting how the 2 franchise’s season stats examine:
Alright, that’s all I’ve time for this morning….so allow us to hear your ideas in regards to the upcoming recreation towards the Habs within the Remark part. Predictions welcome, although others may be a bit scared to tackle the abilities displayed by SaskatoonJet lately.
I’m not going to make any particular prognostication, however I do sense a win coming for the True Northers.
Go Winnipeg!!!!!!
